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Saturday 7 May 2022

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Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Greetings to you all!

Fourth Sunday of Easter Year C

The 4th Sunday of Easter is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday. On this Sunday we are invited to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, that people will generously respond to their inner callings from God. 

On the World Day of Prayer for Vocations in 2019, Pope Francis told us that the Lord’s call makes us bearers of a promise and, at the same time, asks of us the courage to take a risk, with him and for him. We pray that when individuals hear the voice of God, that they have the courage to say yes to the calling of God. We also pray for those who have already responded to the invitation of God and will continue to be joyful in their ministry with good health and happiness.

This weekend we also celebrate Mother’s Day. This day makes us more aware of their love, and sacrifice they continue to make for us. In our Catholic Tradition, we understand and believe how our blessed Mother enjoys the highest place of our honour, because it is through her our Saviour Jesus Christ is born. She was instrumental in getting the grace of God to humanity and shared the joy with her cousin Elizabeth when she learnt that she too was pregnant with a child. She also played a vital role in the history of our Salvation.

Just like Mother Mary, so too with our earthly Mothers, who play a vital role in our lives. The moment we were born, we became her world. She totally forgets everything about herself and her needs, and totally pours out her love and concern for us. There would have been many difficulties in bringing us to the state in which we are now, but still, she doesn’t mind the pain, suffering and other untold sufferings she personally undergoes in her life, because she hopes for the well-being of her son and daughter every time.

In the Passion of Jesus, we see how our blessed Mother stands with her Son at every moment of his journey to Calvary, and so too with our mothers. Our mothers cannot bear the simple pain we go through, but for our sake she has endured great pain when she brought us into the world. So, we shall continue to honour our mothers and make them proud at every moment of their lives and pray for them daily. Amen.

The weekend bulletins

Click here to download the ebulletins for the Fourth Sunday of Easter Year C

Our Lady of Fatima Novena

Our Lady of Fatima Novena and Mass will commence on 4th May. It is a beautiful tradition which has been going on for more than 50 years in our Basilica. Please join us in this special Novena to Our Lady of Fatima and Mass and pray for everyone as we still experience the effects of the pandemic. We will not have the procession in honour of our Lady of Fatima.

Mother’s Day Morning Tea

On 19th May, there will be a Special Morning Tea in our Parish centre at 10am to honour and to acknowledge their love and sacrifices they have made for us. Please come along for this special event in our parish and kindly bring a plate to share.

Project Compassion 2022 – Final Call

Please return your Project Compassion donation envelopes and boxes either via the weekend collections or directly to the Parish Office. Thank You!

Prayer for Peace and Justice in Ukraine

God of peace and justice,
who change the hardened heart and break the power of violence,
we entrust the people of Ukraine to you.

Protect them in this time of peril;
let them know not death but life, not slavery but freedom.

You are Father of all;
we are brothers and sisters.

Give us the strength to live that truth in love,
choosing peace not war.

Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

The Planned Giving Programme 

The planned giving programme is an important part of the Parish as it allows us to maintain all aspects of the Basilica, Presbytery and Parish Administration Centre. To keep the Parish viable, we must maintain a target of 95% and above each week. Last week’s giving was 52%.

Please consider joining the Planned Giving Programme. If you are not already a member, for more information contact the Parish Office.  Thank you!

Safeguarding of our children in the Parish

The Archdiocesan Safeguarding Project was started in 2016 by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB with the aim of providing a safe and secure environment for all its members, leaders and especially children and vulnerable adults. The parish of St Patrick’s Basilica is committed to creating a safe parish. To read more please click here.

God bless

Fr John Sebastian
Rector and Parish Priest